- 1. Boudleaux & Felice Bryant
- 2. Kenneth Schermerhorn
- 3. Fisk Jubilee Singers
- 4. Ronnie Milsap
- 5. Reba McEntire
- 6. Roy Orbison
- 7. Frances W. Preston
- 8. Emmylou Harris
- 9. Michael W. Smith
- 10. John Hiatt
- 11. The Crickets
- 12. Wynonna Judd
- 13. Barbara Mandrell
- 14. Vince Gill
- 15. Rodney Crowell
- 16. Jimi Hendrix
- 17. Buddy Killen
- 18. Bob DiPiero
- 19. Hank Williams Sr.
- 20. Steven Curtis Chapman
- 21. Kirk Whalum
- 22. Merle Kilgore
- 23. Steve Wariner
- 24. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- 25. Martina McBride
- 26. Little Richard
- 27. Elvis Presley
- 28. Trace Adkins
- 29. Jo Walker-Meador
- 30. Randy Travis
- 31. Michael McDonald
- 32. R.H. Boyd
- 33. Marty Stuart
- 34. Cowboy Jack Clement
- 35. CeCe Winans
- 36. Mike Curb
- 37. Josh Turner
- 38. Dolly Parton
- 39. Kid Rock
- 40. Ernest Tubb
- 41. Tootsie Bess
- 42. Charlie Daniels
- 43. Eddy Arnold
- 44. Little Jimmy Dickens
- 45. Rascal Flatts
- 46. Mel Tillis
- 47. Bobby Hebb
- 48. Kris Kristofferson
Reba McEntire
The leading lady of country music for over 20 years has fashioned a career that is the picture of longevity and consistency. Her stellar recording efforts have included 33 #1 songs, 30 albums with sales of 50 million, countless shows and performances and a slew of awards, including multiple honors from the American Music Awards, the Grammys and the Country Music Association (among them CMA Entertainer of the Year).
CloseBoudleaux & Felice Bryant
This husband and wife are generally considered the first writers to move to Nashville to make their living solely as songwriters, relocating in 1950. The diversity and quantity of the Bryants' catalog is staggering, with 800 unique songs recorded by thousands of artists. Among their many honors are membership in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Boudleaux Bryant died in 1987, Felice Bryant in 2003.
CloseRoy Orbison
A founding father of rock and roll, he became one of the most distinctive voices in popular music with his four-octave range and lyrically sophisticated, rhythmically advanced songs. In tribute to his wide-ranging influence are multiple Grammy Awards and memberships in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. When Roy Orbison died in 1988, he had two albums in the top 5, one with the Traveling Wilburys and a solo effort. Close
Kenneth Schermerhorn
The Nashville Symphony's music director and conductor led the orchestra to national and international prominence during a remarkable 22-year tenure. Maestro Schermerhorn joined the Nashville Symphony in 1983; under his leadership, the Symphony recorded Grammy-nominated CDs that broke international sales records and undertook its first East Coast tour, which culminated in a stunning debut at Carnegie Hall in 2000. Maestro Schermerhorn died in 2005. Close
Ronnie Milsap
The pre-eminent country soul singer of his generation, he provided country music with one of its most important voices as the genre was moving beyond its rural roots into the mainstream of modern entertainment. His track record speaks loud and clear: 40 # 1 singles, over 25 million records sold, seven Grammy Awards, four Academy of Country Music Awards, and eight Country Music Association Awards. Together, they underscore Ronnie Milsap's position as one of the best-loved and most enduring artists in country music history.
CloseFisk Jubilee Singers
Since their founding in 1871, the young men and women of this a capella ensemble – students of Fisk University in Nashville – have served as cultural ambassadors, transcending time and race through their stirring performances. Presenting a new public image for African-American music, they broke racial barriers in the late 19th century as they entertained American presidents and European royalty.
CloseThe Crickets
In a career that has spanned nearly five decades and millions of records, the Crickets are unquestionably "The American Rock and Roll Band." Since the group's founding in 1957, they have influenced virtually every major rock performer in the United States and abroad. This induction is a fitting tribute to a band who literally defined rock and roll music and who today, over fifty years later, still help set the standard of excellence by which it should be judged.
CloseEmmylou Harris
Twelve-time Grammy Award winner and Billboard Century Award recipient Emmylou Harris has been admired for her talent as a musician and singer since her major label debut in 1975 with "Pieces of the Sky." With her crystalline voice and her restless creative spirit, Emmylou has been a part of many musical genres over the years, from bluegrass and traditional folk to contemporary folk and rock. Since 1997 she has been the most visible spokesperson for Concerts for a Landmine Free World, drawing public attention and notable musicians to the cause.
CloseJohn Hiatt
Hiatt is a master of all trades when it comes to making music—successfully mastering rock guitar, piano, singing and writing songs. He has been nominated for eleven Grammy Awards and has been awarded a variety of other distinctions in the music industry. A musician's musician, Hiatt has proven to everyone that he has what it takes to be an all-around great.
CloseFrances W. Preston
Frances W. Preston served as President and CEO of Broadcast Music, Inc. from 1986 to 2004, during which time the company's revenue more than tripled to over $673 million. Under her leadership, BMI enjoyed a consistent record of increasing revenues and royalty distributions to its more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. She has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
CloseMichael W. Smith
Starting out as a songwriter and keyboard player for Amy Grant, Smith has since enjoyed thirty-one #1 hits, three Grammys, an American Music Award, five platinum records, sixteen gold records and forty GMA Music Awards. With record sales numbering more than thirteen million throughout his career, Smith is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Michael W. Smith demonstrates his capacity to share the scripture with the world by actively serving at his church, New River Fellowship in Franklin, TN, and through his work with Rocketown, a teen club, coffee house and skate park which he founded in downtown Nashville whose mission is to foster vital relationships between disenfranchised adolescents and Christian mentors.
CloseWynonna Judd
Wynonna Judd first came into prominence in 1984 as part of the legendary mother-daughter duo, The Judds—one of the most celebrated success stories in country music history. In just six short years, the Judds sold more than twenty million records worldwide and won over sixty industry awards including five Grammys, nine Country Music Association Awards and Eight Billboard Music Awards. A world-renowned vocalist and entertainer, Wynonna has accumulated sales totals as a solo artist in excess of ten million units.
CloseBarbara Mandrell
Barbara Mandrell is a true star in the very best sense of the word. Barbara's music career, spanning nearly four decades, earned her over 75 major awards, including two consecutive CMA Entertainer of the Year awards (1980 & 1981, making her the first artist ever to win two years in a row), CMA Female Vocalist of the Year (1979 and 1981), ACM Top Female Country Music Vocalist (1980 and 1986), NARAS Grammy Award for the Best Inspirational Performance (1983), Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance (1984), Dove Award for Gospel Album of the Year (1983) and nine People's Choice Awards (1983-1987). She is one of only six artists to have received the "Triple Crown" by winning all three of the most coveted awards, Top New Female, Top Female and Entertainer of the Year.
CloseBob DiPiero
For the past 20 years Bob DiPiero has helped define the best that is Music Row. He has been a musical ambassador and bridge-builder having written with legendary performers of all genres including Neil Diamond, Carole King, Johnny Van Zant and Delbert McClinton, among many others. He has received three dozen BMI Country and Million-.Air honors; CMA's Triple Play Award in 1995 and 1996. "Song of the Year" for "Worlds Apart" at the Country Radio Music awards in 1997 and Songwriter of the Year awards in 1998 at the Nashville music Awards and in 2000 from Sony/ATV Nashville.
CloseJimi Hendrix
Perhaps no other rock-and-roll artist has been as original or as influential in such a short span of time as Jimi Hendrix, and Nashville was where he spent important formative years. Due to his many successes, Jimi was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was dedicated in 1994. Rolling Stone named Hendrix No. 1 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time in 2003.
CloseBuddy Killen
One of the music industries most diversified and enduring founders, Buddy Killen has literally left his fingerprints on every facet of the business - creatively touching its entire spectrum while making his mark as a musician, song-plugger, songwriter, publisher and record producer. In 1959, Killen’s “Tree” family of writers were doing so well that one week they owned 7 out of the Top 10 hits on the country charts. Today, the Killen Music Group (KMG) publishes music recorded by the multi-platinum sensation OutKast, as well as songs recorded by many country artists including Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Lonestar, Patty Loveless, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire and Rascal Flatts, as well as many gospel artists.
CloseRodney Crowell
Although many of his songs became hits for other singers, Rodney Crowell was the first to record nearly all of them. A Grammy Award winner, ASCAP Lifetime Achievement award recipient and member of the Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, Rodney Crowell has left an indelible mark on Nashville's music scene. As a songwriter he has penned hits for Tim McGraw, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yokam, Keith Urban, Patty Loveless, Crystal Gayle, Lee Ann Womak, Waylon Jennings, Bob Seger and the Oak Ridge Boys, just to name a few. As an artist he has recorded 11 solo records and garnered eight Top 10 singles, five of which were No. 1 songs all from his 1988 album Diamonds & Dirt.
CloseVince Gill
Gill has sold more than 22 million albums. He has earned 18 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1993 and 1994. He is tied with George Strait for having won the most CMA Male Vocalist Awards (five), and is currently second only to Brooks and Dunn for accumulating the most CMA Awards in history. Gill is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and has received 18 Grammy Awards to date, the most of any male Country artist. Besides being known for his talent as a performer, musician and songwriter, Gill is regarded as one of country music's best known humanitarians, participating in hundreds of charitable events throughout his career.
CloseSteven Curtis Chapman
In his iconic musical career, Steven Curtis Chapman has won five Grammy Awards, most recently in 2005 for his release All Things New. He's sold over 10 million records, including two RIAA certified platinum albums and seven RIAA certified gold albums. In a response to the miracle the Chapmans saw in their own family through adoption, and with a desire to help eliminate the obstacle of finances for families they knew, they established the Shaohannah's Hope ministry in 2000.
CloseKirk Whalum
Kirk Whalum drew inspiration from the rich musical traditions of gospel, R&B, blues, and eventually jazz. The eleven time Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist is known for a sound that is uniquely his, which is included on Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Since 2005, Whalum has hosted Music City's Labor Day jazz festival. He's an ambassador for Music City, telling the world of the city's rich musical heritage and diverse music offerings.
CloseSteve Wariner
Steve Wariner has made indelible contributions to the world of country music, starting when he joined Dottie West's band as her bass player at age 17. In addition to many songwriting awards, Wariner has won two Grammy Awards - in 1992 for Best Country Vocal Collaboration and in 2000 for Best Country Instrumental. Wariner was asked to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1996.
CloseNitty Gritty Dirt Band
With a career that spans five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has gone from a hippie jug-band to pioneers of country rock, and their influence is still being felt today. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Circle album, a three-LP set recorded live in Nashville over six days, became a landmark event and a multi-platinum success. Circle was one of 50 recordings to be honored and preserved by the Library of Congress. Stretching over 5 decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has one multiple Grammy Award’s as well as Country Music Association’s Album of the Year in 1989.
CloseMerle Kilgore
As a performer, Kilgore released multiple Top 10 records including his self-penned Dear Mama and Love Has Made You Beautiful. Kilgore began his management career at Shapiro-Bernstein Music in 1962 and became the general manager of Hank Williams Jr.'s music publishing companies in 1969. He continued his affiliation with Hank Williams Jr. Enterprises for more than 30 years, serving as Williams' personal manager for 19 years. Kilgore was voted by his peers as CMA's first Manager of the Year in 1990 and in 1998 he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
CloseHank Williams Sr.
Almost singlehandedly, Hank Williams set the agenda for contemporary country song craft. His is the standard by which success is measured in country music on every level. In six short years, Hank Williams lodged almost 40 chart hits, including the country chart toppers "Lovesick Blues," "Long Gone Lonesome Blues," "Why Don't You Love Me," "Moanin' the Blues," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," "Jambalaya" and "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive." Williams was the first artist elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, a tribute indicative of his impact.
CloseMartina McBride
Born in small-town Kansas, McBride began her singing career in the family band "The Schiffters" where she sang and played keyboard in the band until she finished high school. As Martina’s career continued, she has sold over 16 million albums, released 22 top 10 singles, including six number ones with crossover success in multiple genres. From her debut album, “The Time Has Come”, to her latest, “The Essential Martina McBride”, Martina has marked her evolution as an artist: from a small-town singer with a big voice to a country music icon who commands not only the stage but every facet of her career.
CloseRandy Travis
To date, Randy Travis has sold more than 21 million records and is one of the 10 top-selling solo country artists of all time. Few careers have produced as many country classics as that of Travis, those that include "Forever and Ever, Amen" and "Three Wooden Crosses.” His heartfelt vocals are the envy of his industry, in which many of his albums, including Storms of Life and High Lonesome, could be considered as some of the greatest country albums of all time.
CloseLittle Richard
Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona. Onstage, he'd deliver wild, piano-pounding epistles while costumed in sequined vests, mascara, lipstick, and a pompadour that shook with every thundering beat, and has been credited by James Brown and others with first putting the funk in the rock and roll beat. He has launched successful comebacks in every decade since and remains an active performer and icon - and an inimitable reminder of the joyful frenzy that galvanized rock and roll into being more than 40 years ago.
CloseJo Walker-Meador
As Executive Director of the Country Music Association (CMA) from 1961-1991, Jo Walker-Meador played a direct and influential role in the remarkable growth of the Country Music industry. One year before she took the helm at the CMA, full-time Country radio stations numbered fewer than 100 nationwide, where as today, there are more than 2,000 full-time Country Music radio stations across the nation. Thanks to the efforts of Walker-Meador and others, CMA has grown from about 200 members to a membership of more than 7,000 individuals and organizations.
CloseTrace Adkins
Multi-platinum selling country star Trace Adkins has achieved success as a performer, musician, author and actor and has clearly earned his place among the most identifiable and important country artists of his generation. More than 25 of his singles have appeared on Billboard's country charts, including "Every Light In The House Is On," "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," "I Left Something Turned On At Home," "Songs About Me," "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," and "You're Gonna Miss This" that in 2008 received three CMA Award nominations. An esteemed member of the Grand Ole Opry, Adkins has built a solid career full of chart-topping hits, national TV appearances and highly successful tours.
CloseElvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture.
CloseMichael McDonald
A prominent part of the soundtrack to our times, over the course of his career, Michael McDonald has maintained incredible popularity and has been awarded numerous accolades and honors in both personal and professional arenas. He has won an impressive five Grammys and earned innumerable chart successes and sales feats, yet all the while McDonald remains the artist's artist and an enduring presence in popular music. Noting an almost matchless consistency through more than 25 years of recording and performing, Warner Brothers celebrated McDonald's career in August 2005 with, Michael McDonald: The Ultimate Collection, which highlights the wide breadth of his career from his days with The Doobie Brothers to his solo hits.
CloseR.H. Boyd
One of the chief accomplishments of this Renaissance man was R.H. Boyd’s effort to preserve the music of former slaves and their descendants through the National Baptist Publishing Board. By 1921, under the leadership of Richard Henry Boyd, the NBPB had more than twenty-five songbooks—including The National Baptist Hymnal, old meter songs, old plantation jubilee and folk songs from slavery days, and contemporary music. In 2000, the NBPB was renamed the R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation in honor of its founder Richard Henry Boyd. After four generations, Dr. R.H. Boyd's legacy continues to influence Christian music across the world.
CloseCowboy Jack Clement
During a career of treading thin lines between folk singers, polka bands, outlaw songwriters, and the commercial music industry, Cowboy Jack Clement was the visionary maverick that combined song publishing, music and film production, a record company and recording studios decades before it became an industry trend. He has scored major musical success as a songwriter, producer, recording studio pioneer, publisher, artist and executive. He found work at Sun Records and worked at the mixing board for recording sessions with Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich and Jerry Lee Lewis. In other ventures, he built four of Nashville's leading studios, produced a cult classic horror film and made perhaps the world's first music video on Don Williams in 1972, nine years before MTV launched.
CloseMike Curb
During a distinguished career spanning more than 45 years, Mike Curb has earned multi-faceted success as a songwriter, producer and record company owner, covering a wide range of musical styles. As an individual, he has written more than 400 songs, and received countless music industry awards, including the prestigious Overall Producer of the Year Award from Billboard magazine in 1972. As the founder and Chairman of Curb Records, Curb's company has produced more than 300 No. 1 records and been honored by Billboard magazine as 2001 Country Music Label of the Year and Radio & Records magazine as 2005 Overall Gold Label of the Year. In 2007, Curb was honored as Nashvillian of the Year for his continued work to benefit the city, including establishing The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, the largest college at Belmont University.
CloseCeCe Winans
A seven-time Grammy Award winner, CeCe Winans has been blessed with one of the music industry's greatest voices. Along with this, CeCe has sold numerous gold-and platinum-certified albums as a solo artist, and with brother BeBe as part of the hit-making duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. CeCe is also the visionary for the Always Sisters Conference which has taken place in Nashville for the last 3 years. This inspirational conference has helped to motivate and re-direct the life choices of thousands of teens and young women.
CloseJosh Turner
Josh Turner’s continuing singing and songwriting career had already seen many successes early on with his debut album toping over a million copies sold, as well as his second album reaching double platinum in 2006. Nashville's first taste of Turner came with his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in December 2001, and Turner eventually found himself a member of the Opry in 2007. Turner is continuously heralded by critics as one of the brightest young stars in country music today and his voice has been compared to the legendary Johnny Cash.
CloseMarty Stuart
Marty Stuart is country music's Renaissance man. The five time Grammy Award winner, platinum recording artist, and Grand Ole Opry star is also known for his RFD-TV program, “The Marty Stuart Show.” Stuart's collection of music memorabilia, "Sparkle & Twang" went on display at the Autry National Center of the American West, after having been exhibited at the Tennessee State Museum and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In all his endeavors — much including his songwriting, singing, playing, and producing — there is a storyteller at work, a man who listens to and translates the world he knows.
CloseKid Rock
Kid Rock, a Detroit native, is known throughout many genres of music with his success in the past decades. The once rapper, turned rock star, turned super star with his fourth album, Devil Without a Cause, which was seven-times-platinum. The five time Grammy Award nominee has sold over 23 million albums in the U.S. and over 27 million worldwide.
CloseErnest Tubb
Throughout Ernest Tubb’s career, he left an enormous legacy that helped shape the face of contemporary country music. Tubb’s first single was "Walking the Floor Over You," which became a massive hit, eventually selling over a million copies, and is considered by many to be the first honky tonk song, launching not only Tubb's career but also the musical genre itself. Upon his arrival in Nashville in January of 1943, Tubb joined the Grand Ole Opry and became the first musician to use an electric guitar in the Opry. Tubb became the sixth member to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1965, and was one of the first artists inducted to the Nashville Songwriters International Hall of Fame.
CloseTootsie Bess
Hattie Louise "Tootsie" Bess was a well-known and loved member of Nashville's music scene, mostly known for owning the legendary bar “Tootsie’s”, which backs up to the Ryman Auditorium. Without her, musicians and performers like Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings or Hank Williams may not have reached the heights of stardom that they did, including Willie Nelson, who got his first songwriting job after singing at Tootsie's. Tootsie Bess died of cancer Feb. 18, 1978. Her funeral was attended by loyal customers from mechanics to country music legends.
CloseCharlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels' music spans over 50 years and represents over $20 million in sales. In the summer of 1979, Daniels delivered "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," which became a platinum single, topped both country and pop charts, won a Grammy Award, earned three CMA trophies, became a cornerstone of the Urban Cowboy movie soundtrack and propelled Daniels' Million Mile Reflections album to triple platinum sales levels. In April 1998, top stars and two former U.S. presidents paid tribute to Daniels when he received the Pioneer Award at the ACM's annual nationally-televised ceremonies. In January 2008, Daniels was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
CloseDolly Parton
Dolly Parton is the most honored female country performer of all time, who has had 25 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts, a record for a female artist, and has 41 Top 10 country albums. An internationally-renowned superstar, the iconic and irrepressible Parton has contributed countless treasures to the world of music entertainment, penning classic songs such as "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and her mega-hit "I Will Always Love You." She has garnered seven Grammy Awards, 10 CMA Awards, five ACM Awards, three American Music Awards, and is one of only five female artists to win the CMA Entertainer of the Year award. The phenomenon of Dolly Parton continues to flourish, as she remains one of the world's true superstars.
CloseRascal Flatts
Throughout their career, Rascal Flatts has become one of the most honored acts in country music history, reaching heights and achieving milestones reserved for the genre's elite. Since their musical debut in 2000, Rascal Flatts has sold over 21 million albums, 25 million digital downloads and delivered 14 #1 singles to the top of the charts. Committed to giving back, they are known for their charitable work, which includes raising three million dollars for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
CloseEddy Arnold
Eddy Arnold, one of the greatest singers in both country and pop genres, sold over 85 million records and is the only country artist to have charted records in seven different decades, one of which was a duet version of "Cattle Call" with LeAnn Rimes from her "Blue" album that was released by Curb Records in 1996. In 2000, he received the National Medal of the Arts from President Bill Clinton and was awarded a "Lifetime Achievement Grammy" in 2005. Following his death in May 2008, RCA Records released the single "To Life", a song from the album "After All These Years" and it debuted at No. 49 on the Hot Country Songs charts, which was his first entry into that particular chart in 25 years.
CloseLittle Jimmy Dickens
Little Jimmy Dickens is the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry being born in 1920, who is legendarily known for his humorous novelty songs, small size, and rhinestone-studded outfits. As a 1983 member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Dickens has penned many top ten singles throughout his career. Little Jimmy still makes regular appearances as a host at the Opry, often with the self-depreciating joke that he is also known as “Willie Nelson after taxes.”
CloseBobby Hebb
Bobby Hebb, with so much musical influence and inspiration, penned hundreds upon hundreds of tunes, among them, BMI's number 25 most played song on their website in 2000, the classic "Sunny." When he joined Roy Acuff's Smokey Mountain Boys around 1952, he was one of the first African American artists to perform on The Grand Ole Opry. As a legend to the community, Hebb continued to live in his hometown of Nashville until his death in August of 2010.
CloseMel Tillis
Mel Tillis has written well over 1,000 songs, with approximately 600 recorded by major artists. He has recorded more than 60 albums; including 36 Top Ten singles, with nine of them going to #1. Mel has appeared in numerous feature films including "Every Which Way But Loose" with Clint Eastwood, "W.W. & The Dixie Dancekings" with Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed, "Cannonball Run I and II," "Smokey and the Bandit II" with Burt Reynolds, and the lead role with Roy Clark in "Uphill All The Way." Tillis has been in the music/entertainment business now for more than 50 years, with accolades that include Country Music Association's (CMA) Entertainer of the Year in 1976, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in June 2007, and on October 28, 2007, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
CloseKris Kristofferson
A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Kris Kristofferson helped rejuvenate Nashville's creative community in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the classics "Help Me Make It Through the Night," "Me and Bobby McGee," "For the Good Times" and "Lovin' Her Was Easier." Encouraged by a meeting with Johnny Cash, he moved to Nashville in 1965, where he got his break by recording "Sunday Morning Coming Down," which won the Country Music Association's song of the year trophy in 1970. His very successful career full of recording singles, as well as writing many top ten singles, earned him a Country Music Hall of Fame nod in 2004.
CloseKeith Urban
With 14 #1 songs, 28 Top 5 hits, a high-energy live show and countless accolades Keith Urban is one of the top entertainers today. Urban's reputation as an elite songwriter, musician, vocalist and virtuoso guitarist is no more evident than when he is onstage. His electrifying concerts have played to sold-out venues from Australia to Germany to England to Canada and the United States and he's received high praise from critics. Accolades include multiple Grammy’s, as well as multiple CMA Male Artist of the Year, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year.
CloseBill Anderson
He's known, in fact as "Whispering Bill," a nickname hung on him years ago as a result of his breathy voice and his warm, soft approach to singing. His credentials, however, shout his prominence: one of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music, a million-selling recording artist many times over and a consummate onstage performer. Anderson has been voted Songwriter of the Year six times, Male Vocalist of the Year, and half of Duet of the Year twice. He's hosted and starred in the Country Music Television Series of the Year, had his band voted Band of the Year, and in 1975 was voted membership in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2001, he received the ultimate honor, membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
ClosePeter Frampton
Grammy®-winning artist Peter Frampton is one of the most celebrated artists in rock history. Frampton has recorded 16 albums, with his most acclaimed being his multiplatinum-selling live album Frampton Comes Alive!, which is one of the top selling live records of all time. Frampton has long been a friend to Music City, and having lived here for nine years, it feels like a second home.
CloseManuel
Known as the "Rhinestone Rembrandt," Manuel is responsible for creating Johnny Cash's famous 'Man in Black' ensemble, Elvis' iconic gold lamé suit and the signature 'cowboy' look for all three Hank Williams, among many others. Country greats have worn Manuel's designs for years, including Little Jimmy Dickens and his close friend, Marty Stuart, who is noted to have more than 3,000 pieces of custom Country Cowboy Couture. Today, his shop Manuel's on Broadway serves as both a custom design studio for western couture garments and also an international tourist destination.
CloseDan Miller
Dan Miller is one of the most revered broadcasters in Nashville's history. Miller earned numerous awards throughout his broadcasting career, including multiple Emmy Awards. He was voted Best News Anchor in local Nashville publications more than 20 times and recognized as the Most Popular News Anchor in the United States in 1986.
CloseDr. Bobby Jones
Dr. Bobby Jones is one of the most notable figures in gospel music. He is a multiple award-winning gospel music singer and national television host, most recognized as the host and executive producer for the national cable program, "Bobby Jones Gospel." Dr. Jones is credited with taking gospel music to the mainstream airwaves through his multiple cable and radio programs. Jones has received more than 2,000 honors and awards over the period of 31 years as a broadcaster and educator.
CloseDottie Rambo
Dottie Rambo, known throughout the industry as the Queen of Gospel Music, is a world-renowned singer, songwriter and musician. Throughout her 60+ year career, Rambo wrote more than 2,500 songs, both for herself and for some of the music industry's most notable stars. Her accolades include Grammy and Dove awards, the ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award and being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Rambo died in a tragic bus wreck in 2008 as she traveled between tour stops. Her legacy continues through her timeless songs and messages of hope and salvation.
CloseLes Paul
Les Paul will forever be synonymous with the electric guitar, where he was drawn to explore and create a stringed instrument that could make electronic sound without distorting. The result was the creation of the Gibson Les Paul guitar, which went on to become one of the most popular of all electric guitar models, serving as a staple instrument for rock 'n' roll's guitar elite. The seven time Grammy winner is also credited with creating many innovative audio techniques including overdubbing, tape delay and multi-track recording, all of which aided in making the rock 'n' roll sound possible.
CloseAlan Jackson
Alan Jackson is one of today's most prolific songwriters - his straightforward, honest and sincere lyrics reflect the essence of country music and speak to the common man. The Georgia native has written or co-written 24 of his 35 #1 singles, including "Remember When," "Where I Come From," "Chattahoochee" and "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)." Jackson is one of the most honored country music singer-songwriters in the last 20 years, who is a Grand Ole Opry member and three-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year with a total of 16 CMA Awards, 17 ACM Awards and two Grammys to his credit.
CloseKix Brooks
Kix Brooks has been performing and writing songs since the age of 12, and in 1990, he teamed with Ronnie Dunn to create Brooks & Dunn, a career decision that changed the course of country music history. Brooks & Dunn are the highest-selling duo in the history of country music, having sold more than 30 million records and enjoyed 23 #1 hits. Brooks is also a civic leader in Nashville, who has served as both President and Chairman of the Country Music Association, as well as served on the board of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and previously served on the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Board.
CloseBob Babbitt
Babbitt's bass lines have graced over 100 million recordings, including 200 Billboard Top 40 hits for Motown and other labels. He is most famous for his work as a member of Motown Records' studio band, the Funk Brothers, from 1966-1972. The Funk Brothers were inducted into the Nashville-based Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007 by fellow Music City Walk of Fame inductee Peter Frampton.
CloseSteve Winwood
Winwood's career has earned him two Grammy® Awards for Record of the Year, Back in the High Life, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his No. 1 single "Higher Love." In addition to his many achievements as a solo artist, Winwood remains in high demand for notable collaborations with other artists. His distinctive Hammond organ has graced such classic fare as fellow Music City Walk of Fame inductee Jimi's Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile" as well as Miranda Lambert's recent chart hit "Baggage Claim".
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Kings of Leon got their start in Nashville by playing open mic nights, songwriters' nights and booking gigs at local songwriter hot spots like the Bluebird Café. In 2008, the group released Only By The Night, the record that catapulted the band into the mainstream. The multi-platinum-selling album debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, hit No. 1 in five countries, sold more than 6.5 million copies worldwide, and earned Kings of Leon four Grammy® Awards. While Kings of Leon continues to record and tour worldwide, each member calls Nashville home.
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The first woman in history to win CMA’s Entertainer of the Year Award, Loretta Lynn is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, and national Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her legendary musical career has garnered 51 Top 10 hits, multiple CMA Awards and GRAMMY Awards, including a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Loretta Lynn’s life is still a work in progress. She's still out there on the road, still writing songs, and still recording them as only she can.
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Jack White is one of the most prolific and renowned artists of the past two decades. He started the White Stripes in 1997 and his since amassed multiple GRAMMY Awards and chart-topping songs and albums both with bands and as a solo artist. His Nashville-based record label, Third Man Records, produced and released more than 300 records in just over 6 years and has become a leader in the vinyl record industry.
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Trisha Yearwood possesses one of the most powerful voices in music and has built an empire by graciously standing her ground. Like Trisha herself, her twelfth album PrizeFighter: Hit After Hit, is the complete package. The album features ten of her career-defining hits and six new songs. The combo of classics and new songs mirrors her performances each night on stage on The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood. Now, this platinum-selling, multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning recording artist is not just the epitome of Southern charm, she’s a C.E.O. to boot! Trisha’s third cookbook, Trisha’s Table, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers List, she’s hosted six seasons of her Emmy Award-winning Food Network series, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, her Trisha’s Precious Metals cookware line is in stores now and finally, she recently unveiled her Trisha Yearwood Home Collection, in partnership with Klaussner Home Furnishings, which will be in stores this Fall.
CloseGarth Brooks
Garth Brooks is certified by the RIAA as the #1-selling solo artist in U.S. history with over 136 million albums. He has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist. Garth has been inducted into the International Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He also received the Milestone Award at the 50th Anniversary ACM Awards. Garth’s ninth studio album, MAN AGAINST MACHINE, became the 14th time in Garth’s career that one of his albums debuted at #1 on the country charts where it remained for seven non-consecutive weeks. He continues to sell out concerts across the world.
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Karl Dean was the sixth mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. He was elected on Sept. 11, 2007, and was re-elected on Aug. 4, 2011, to serve a second term. During his time in office, Mayor Dean led Nashville through two big challenges – a deep national recession and a 1,000-year flood – and still made progress on his priorities of education, public safety and economic development. He worked diligently on efforts to sustain and improve Nashville’s high quality of life. Mayor Dean was a strong supporter of the music industry during his time in office. In 2009 he helped create the Music City Music Council as a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. to capitalize on Nashville’s identity as Music City. The Music Council commissioned a study in 2013 that found the music industry has a $10 billion annual economic impact on the Nashville region. With the Music Council, Mayor Dean strengthened music education in Metro Schools through Music Makes Us, which aspires to be a national model. The program added contemporary curriculum that embraces new technologies and reflects a diverse musical landscape while also enhancing traditional school music. He also opened Ryman Lofts, Nashville’s first affordable rental units for musicians and artists. Mayor Dean loves to say, “You can never have too much live music in Music City,” and he proved that by launching Live On the Green, a free, public concert series held on the Public Square in front of the Metro Courthouse. Live on the Green completed its seventh season in 2015.
CloseE.W. "Bud" Wendell
Wendell began his career with the National Life and Accident Insurance Company (then the parent company of WSM and the Opry) in 1950 as a door-to-door insurance salesman in Hamilton, Ohio. After several transfers, he moved to the home office in Nashville in 1962. He was named manager of the Grand Ole Opry in April 1968. Wendell became vice president of WSM and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland theme park in 1974, just as the Opry was being moved from the aging Ryman Auditorium to its present location near the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. He became president and CEO of WSM in 1978 and chairman in 1980. The Gaylord company acquired National Life’s entertainment interests in 1983, and Wendell was named president and CEO of Gaylord Entertainment in 1991. Under Wendell’s leadership, Gaylord launched The Nashville Network (TNN) in 1983, acquired Country Music Television (CMT) in 1991, launched CMT Europe in 1992, extended CMT’s reach into Latin America and Asia, expanded the Opryland Hotel into Nashville’s largest convention facility, and established the Opryland Music Group (which acquired the massive Acuff-Rose publishing catalog). In addition, Wendell oversaw Gaylord’s renovation of the Ryman Auditorium and the opening of the Wildhorse Saloon dance club, which helped revive a declining downtown Nashville. In 2014, the Nashville hospitality industry honored Wendell’s career by creating the first-ever major hospitality industry award in his name. The award is given at the industry’s annual celebration and recognizes an individual outside of the hospitality industry who has contributed above and beyond to the overall success of tourism and convention business in Nashville. Mayor Karl Dean was the first recipient.
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Beginning with his mid-1950s recordings for Sun Records, John R. “Johnny” Cash has established an international profile as an ambassador of American roots music. He overcame personal demons to reach superstar status in the late 1960s and continued to hew his own path musically into the twenty-first century. With extensive hit recordings on the country and pop charts—both singles and albums—he extended the scope of country music and helped broaden its audience through his exploration of many themes and types of songs. Early hit singles included “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” (1959) and “Ring of Fire” (1963). He married June Carter (of the Carter Sisters), with whom he recorded several hit duets, on March 1, 1968. Cash was voted the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year for 1969. Later in his career, Cash signed to the American label and, working with producer Rick Rubin, he released the widely acclaimed American Recordings (1994), an album consisting of Cash's voice accompanied only by an acoustic guitar. For American Recordings, Cash received the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Recording. His 1996 American album Unchained featured a similarly eclectic mix of material, but with Cash backed by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and other guest performers. It was awarded a Grammy for Best Country Album of the Year.
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Steve Cropper made his musical debut on American Bandstand in 1961. Thus the legend began. Just one year later, along with Booker T & the MG’s, Cropper wrote the #1 smash hit “Green Onions.” In the years to follow he co-wrote some of music’s biggest classics such as “Knock On Wood,” “Midnight Hour,” “634-5789,” and in 1967 the legendary “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” with friend Otis Redding, establishing Cropper as a songwriting genius. Producing soon became second nature as “The Colonel” turned out timeless tracks by such renowned artists as Wilson Pickett, Tower of Power, John Mellencamp, Jose Feliciano, Poco, John Prine and Otis Redding. Cropper’s exemplary guitar work can be heard on the albums of Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton, Art Garfunkle, Booker T and the MG’s, Ringo Starr and Wynonna to name a few. He has toured with such greats as Neil Young and Jimmy Buffett. In the late 70s, Steve began his now famous work as an original of the Blues Brothers Band, appearing in both major motion pictures and numerous TV shows. He continues traveling with them today as well as touring with many different artists. Cropper has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. Undoubtedly, Steve Cropper has successfully covered his bases as songwriter/producer/guitarist. And lucky for us all – the legend continues.
CloseMiranda Lambert
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert is the reigning five-time CMA and reigning six-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. The first single off of Lambert’s fifth studio album, Platinum, “Automatic,” was Lambert’s highest charting first week single to date and won CMA Song of the Year. Her duet with Carrie Underwood, the album’s second single, “Somethin’ Bad,” has been certified as an RIAA Platinum Digital Single. Platinum made history when it debuted atop Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart, making Lambert the first country artist in the history of the chart to have each of her five albums debut at number one. Platinum also debuted at the top of the all genre Billboard 200 as the #1 album in the nation. In addition to her award winning music, she dedicates much of her time to her MuttNation Foundation. She owns two lifestyle boutiques, general stores she named The Pink Pistol that are located in her hometown of Lindale, Texas, and in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. She also added The Ladysmith, a bed & breakfast in Tishomingo, to her empire this past year. In addition, Lambert has designed a shoe line that is available at DSW, Off Broadway, Shoe Dept, Shoe Carnival, Country Outfitters and other retailers across the country.
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